Wow, this was an exciting episode! It's nice they open with reaching the island at the beginning, and we get a look into some of the traps/obstacles around Skellig. I am also curious about Pucks little story, it looks really cute. Also I noticed that Guts has his more youthful appearance about him, I know there was speculation about it being when Miura just finished the childhood episodes prior, so it seems like he is just looking healthier at the moment. Is it just me or does this episode seem to have more bold highlights for the art? I'm not sure how to explain it, his drawings always impress me but this looks even better then usual.

Also I noticed that Guts has his more youthful appearance about him, I know there was speculation about it being when Miura just finished the childhood episodes prior, so it seems like he is just looking healthier at the moment. Is it just me or does this episode seem to have more bold highlights for the art? I'm not sure how to explain it, his drawings always impress me but this looks even better then usual.

I was literally trembling as I read this episode. I've been waiting for this moment for 13 years (I first read the series in 2002, so I haven't been waiting as long as those members who were reading it episodically back in 2001). I can't believe they're actually on Skellig.

I noticed a change in the art, too. Besides the bolder lines, the objects in the background look a little different from Miura's usual style, too. I thought maybe it was a new technique Miura was using, or a change in style, but it could be a filter, like Walter said.

I loved Puck's little moment with the gull (I'm guessing that's how he got off the island in the first place?). It's been a while since we've seen him irritating a bird.

I thought Isma would only accompany Guts and crew to the shore and bid farewell to them, but it seems like she is continuing their journey together. I wonder how long she will stay?

Well having grown most of her life with legs and being stuck on her island, I'm not surprise to see her stay for the moment. She seemed excited to have adventures. Of course that doesn't mean she wont go back in the ocean with the other merrows, but I would not be surprise if she decide to stay for the long run. (I hope at some point that's what she decides,time will tell)